Piero Capponi

Italian politician, born in Florence, Tuscany, NC Italy. Ambassador to Naples and later to France, he was a member of the opposition to the Medici, and was gonfalonier in 1494. When, after the fall of the Medicis, Charles VIII of France occupied Florence, he took a firm stand against the king's financial demands and political interference. He died fighting against Pisa.

Piero Capponi (1447 - September 25, 1496), Florentine statesman and warrior.

He was at first intended for a business career, but Lorenzo de' Medici, appreciating his ability, sent him as ambassador to various courts, where he acquitted himself with distinction. On the death of Lorenzo (1492), who was succeeded by his son, the weak and incapable Piero, Capponi became one of the leaders of the anti-Medicean faction which two years later succeeded in expelling Piero de' Medici from Florence. Capponi was then made chief of the republic and conducted public affairs with great skill, notably in the difficult negotiations with Charles VIII of France, who had invaded Italy in 1494 and in whose camp the exiled Medici had taken refuge.

In November Charles, on his way to Naples, entered Florence with his army, and immediately began to behave as though he were the conqueror of the city, because he had entered it lance in rest. This alarmed Charles, who lowered his tone and said nothing more about conquered cities or the Medici.

The Florentines were willing to pay him a large sum of money, but in settling the amount further disagreements arose. Charles, who was full the Medici's promises, made exorbitant demands, and finally presented an ultimatum to the signory, who rejected it. Charles, who did not relish the idea of house-to-house fighting, was forced to moderate his claim and concluded a more equitable treaty with the republic.

On November 28 he departed, and Capponi was appointed to reform the government of Florence.